Mark Jukowicz shared free donuts for the Salvation Army canteen to celebrate National Donut Day.  D. Everett Smith/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Today is National Donut Day and the Salvation Army will be handing them out at their booth at tonight’s First Friday event in downtown Williamsport.

“We do a lot of stuff here, but our main purpose is to share Jesus. Today one of the things we’re doing is our Donut Day,” Major Sheryl Hershey said.

She explained, “The Donut Day actually originated for the Salvation Army during World War I when the servicemen were in need of something to eat and something to drink.”

The women at the Salvation Army got to work.

“The Salvation Army ladies of the time got together, made them fresh donuts and coffee during their breaks. And when they were in and out of war and needed just a little bit of picking up.”

D. Everett Smith Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Hershey said today they continue that tradition but now it’s not just for the servicemen but everybody in the community.

CUTLINE 1:

Members and volunteers who work with the Williamsport branch of the Salvation Army are offering donuts on National Donut Day.

WINDOW OF CANTEEN: Mark Jacukowicz

BACK ROW L to R: Laura Geir, Laura Templeton, Emily Fullop, and Ada Rearick.

FRONT ROW L to R: Tina White, Major Sheryl Hershey, Lt. Nicole Fullop, Felicia Goudy and Barb Miller.

CUTLINE 2:

The donuts for afternoon distribution were donated by Dunkin’ and Major Hershey thanked Dunkin’ for partnering with them.